EMMLabs DAC2X User manual

DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
001
Version 1.8
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

ank you for choosing EMM Labs...
Welcome 002 DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

Appendix A - Serial Remote Control (RS232)
Front Panel & Functions
Features & Specifications
DAC2X Audio Converter
003
Table Of Contents
Welcome 002
Table of Contents 003
006
007
009
Rear Panel & Functions 011
Operation 013
Infrared Remote Control 018
019
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Safety Instructions 004
Warranty 005
DSD Audio 017
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

Safety Instructions
Safety Instructions
Prior to Installing you new EMM Labs product please read the following safety
instructions:
• Read and follow all instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Do not use or install product near any sources of water, rain and/or
moisture.
• Clean using only a dry cloth.
• Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not install product outdoors or in direct sunlight.
• Leave at least 10cm or 4 inches around product to ensure proper
ventilation.
• Do not place product near strong electrical or magnetic
radiation/emissions or near a power amplifier.
This EMM Labs product must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection (grounding pin).
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO WATER OR MOISTURE.
EEC: This product has been designed and tested to comply with the limits set out in
EN55013, EN55020 and EN 60065:2009 (electrical safety).
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
004
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

Warranty
Warranty
EMM Labs warrants the DAC2X product against defects in material
and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of time
specied by the product’s serial number from the date of rst
delivery to the owner. e warranty time period is 5 years. Warranty
is limited to the original owner and is non-transferable.
EMM Labs will pay for return shipping charges back to the owner
when the product is sent to EMM Labs within the rst 90 days aer
purchase (US and Canada end-users only). Otherwise, owner will be
responsible for all shipping charges to and from EMM Labs.
For all warranty claims, a copy of the original invoice must
accompany the product.
Opening the product or modifying it in any way by the owner,
including but not limited to cryogenic treatment, will void any
warranty.
Please contact EMM Labs ([email protected]) for RMA number
and shipping instructions before shipping any product to EMM Labs.
EMM Labs products are sold worldwide through authorized dealers
with restricted territories. EMM Labs product purchased from
non-authorized dealers or from a dealer selling outside his / her
authorized territory will automatically void product warranty.
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
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© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

006
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER
e DAC2X is a high-performance stereo D/A converter with a wide
variety of user selectable digital inputs. It has evolved from EMM Labs
acclaimed converter systems which are used worldwide in professional
studios to create some of the nest recordings.
e DAC2X provides conversion from a wide variety of digital input
formats, including USB Audio for computers, media systems and
digital audio playback machines making it an extremely exible
converter system that can act as a standalone conversion hub to a host
of digital sources.
e DAC2X has:
• Proprietary MFAST technology for getting rid of source jitter.
• Proprietary MDAT DSP that upsamples and conditions digital
audio to twice the SACD/DSD (5.6Mhz) samplerate.
• Ed Meitner’s proprietary discrete Dual Dierential DACs.
• Proprietary Masterclock for sub-pico second jitter performance.
• Uses our exclusive aerospace grade composite laminate pcbs.
• Supports up to 24bit, 192kHz on all PCM inputs including USB
• Supports DSD streaming over USB
• Supports DSD for CD/SACD playback over EMM Optilink
e DAC2X, when paired with an EMM Labs transport, performs as
an unparalleled CD/SACD playback system.
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

007
Features & Specifications
Features & Specications
2-Channel D/A conversions:
• from PCM (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz) to analog
• from DSD to analog via USB (DSD streaming over USB using DoP 1.0 specication)
• from DSD to analog via EMM Optilink (SACD/CD playback)
Supported digital input formats:
• AES/EBU
• Two COAX SPDIF
• Two TOSLINK SPDIF
• EMM Optilink
• USB Audio
Analog outputs and impedances:
• Balanced on XLR (300Ω)
• Unbalanced on RCA (150Ω)
Output levels:
• XLR outputs: 4.6V (+15.45dBu)
• RCA outputs: 2.3V (+9.45dBu)
Note:
1. XLR analog outputs are balanced with pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold and pin 1 ground.
2. For proper digital audio data transfer (especially at 176.4kHz and 192kHz)
appropriate high quality TOSLINK, SPDIF, AES and USB 2.0 cables must be used.
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

008
Features & Specifications
Features & Specications
System control via Infrared remote and serial RS-232 ports (see Appendix A)
Power supply:
• Power factor corrected
• Factory set to 100V or 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz operation
• Power consumption: 25W
• Remote control: Infrared
• Dimensions W x D x H: 435 x 400 x 92mm
• Weight: 12kg
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

009
Front Panel & Functions DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Front Panel & Functions
1. Standby/Power-Save button:
Toggles the operation between on and power-save mode. In power save mode the
remote control and all front panel functions become inactive.
2. Clock Control Indicators:
LOCK: is indicator is lit when the unit detects valid digital clock at the selected
digital audio input. For normal operation with digital audio inputs this indicator has
to be lit or else all audio outputs will be muted.
44.1kHz / 48kHz: ese indicate the base frequency for the selected digital audio
input. Eg. digital inputs with sample frequencies of 44.1, 88.2 and 176kHz the 44.1kHz
indicator will be lit. For digital inputs with sample frequencies of 48, 96 and 192kHz
the 48kHz indicator will be lit.
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.
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Front Panel & Functions DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Front Panel & Functions
When receiving valid DSD data via USB input the 44.1 and 48 LEDs will light.
3. POLARITY INVERTED button:
When this button is lit the polarity of all analog outputs are inverted. e inversion is
performed in the digital domain.
4. MUTE button:
When lit all outputs are muted. Pushing the button again unmutes the outputs.
5. ALT button (intended for future use)
6. Digital input selector buttons:
• EMM LINK: Selects the EMM Optilink input for internconnection with an EMM
Labs transport (TSD1 or TSDX). e cables used are ST glass (multimode) supplied
with the transport.
• AES: Selects AES/EBU (XLR) format PCM digital audio input .
• COAX: Selects SPDIF (RCA) format PCM digital audio from COAX connector.
• TOS1: Selects SPDIF (TOSLINK) format PCM digital audio from TOS1 connector.
• TOS2: Selects SPDIF (TOSLINK) format PCM digital audio from TOS2 connector.
• PC AUDIO: Selects USB format digital audio from USB Audio connector
(computer, media player, media or audio server).
• PDAI: Selects SPDIF (RCA) format PCM audio from PDAI connector.
All PCM digital inputs support 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and
192kHz. All digital inputs support word lengths up to 24bit.
USB Audio input supports DSD (1bit, 2.8Mhz) streaming over USB using DoP 1.0
specication.
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

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
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011
Rear Panel & Functions DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Rear Panel & Functions
1. Main Power Switch
2. Main Power connector
3. Product VOLTAGE indicator:
Indicates working voltage of the DAC2X. Only use with indicated line voltage.
4. Product model and serial number indicator:
Warranty void if model/serial number indicator is not attached to unit, missing or
damaged whereby serial number cannot be seen.


© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

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Rear Panel & Functions DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Rear Panel & Functions
5. Digital Inputs (All PCM inputs supporting up to 24bit, 192kHz):
• EMM Optilink: input for interconnection with an EMM Labs transport.
• AES/EBU: AES/EBU (XLR) PCM digital audio input.
• COAX: SPDIF (RCA) format PCM digital audio input.
• TOS1: SPDIF (TOSLINK) format PCM digital audio input.
• TOS2: SPDIF (TOSLINK) format PCM digital audio input.
• USB Audio: USB PCM and DSD audio from a computer, media player, server
• PDAI: SPDIF (RCA) format PCM digital audio input.
6. Analog Line Output:
• Le and Right Balanced (XLR) Connectors
• Le and Right Un-Balanced (RCA) Connectors
• Output Line Level with 0dBfs signal on AES/EBU input:
XLR outputs: 4.6Vrms (+15.45dBu)
RCA outputs: 2.3Vrms (+9.45dBu)
7. System
Remote:
• Wired RS232: RS232 communication port. See Appendix A.
Service:
• USB data port for rmware upgrades (see separate USB update
instructions)
• RESET button used to temporarily access the backup rmware.
Only for diagnostic purposes. Should not be used during normal
operation.
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

013
Operation DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Basic Operations and Input Connections
1. Memory:
Aer 10 seconds when no button has been pushed or changed, the DAC2X
memorizes its momentary setup in permanent memory for later retrieval aer the
next powerup. It will be recalled immediately aer the unit is turned on. Each
individual input selection will keep its last conguration before powerdown.
During normal operation each input selection will immediately memorize its
conguration so that switching between dierent sources with dierent congurations
can be accomplished with a single button selection.
2. DAC2X Input Connections:
Just connect the appropriate digital source output to the specic DAC2X input, on the
back of the DAC2X and select the appropriate digital source from either the front
panel buttons or the remote control.
Typical front panel display when DAC2X is locked to 44.1kHz base frequency and the
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

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Operation DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Basic Operations and Input Connections
2. DAC2X Input Connections (cont’d):
EMM Optilink is selected as the digital source (connected to an EMM Labs
transport). SACD or Redbook audio has base samplerate of 44.1kHz.
Above is another example. Here the DAC2X is connected to an AES digital source
with a base frequency of 48kHz (PCM 48, 96 or 192kHz audio). For AES connections
the DAC2X uses a single AES input to carry 2 channels of PCM audio up to 192kHz.
NOTE: If the LOCK light is not ON then the DAC2X is not receiving appropriate
digital audio from the digital source. e DAC2X will automatically mute all the
outputs if it does not receive a proper digital audio signal from the selected source.
Check the source setup and cable connections for problems. When detecting DSD
data over USB both 44.1 and 48 LEDs will simultanousely be lit.
3. Using the remote and pressing the “Display DAC” button turns o all the DAC2X
LEDs except the LOCK light.
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

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Operation DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Basic Operations and Input Connections
4. TSD1 or TSDX+DAC2X Quick Connect:
Connect the EMM Optilink cable from the TSD1 or TSDX to the DAC2X
Make sure the TSD1 External Clock switch is set to internal
Using either the remote or the front panel of the DAC2X select EMM Link.
e LOCK light and the 44.1kHz sync. light both should be lit on the DAC2X.
TSD1 TSDX
DAC2X
EMM Optilink Cable
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

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Operation DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Basic Operations and Input Connections
5. DAC2X USB Audio:
a. First, use only an appropriate well-sheilded certied USB 2.0* cable to connect
the DAC2X’s USB Audio input to any USB digital audio source component
(computer, laptop, media server etc.).
b. e DAC2X USB Audio interface uses the B-type USB connector similar to
connectors used on printers. Please see image below:
c. Select the USB Audio input using front panel input selector buttons.
d. For MAC OSX systems, no driver is needed. OSX has the appropriate USB driver
already installed.
e. For Windows XP, Vista (32 or 64bit) and Windows 7 (32 or 64bit) systems install
the provided USB audio driver located on the soware CD in the folder named
“DAC2X USB Audio Driver”. Read and follow the installation instructions.
f. Kernel, ASIO and WASAPI (Vista and Windows 7) drivers will be installed.
6. For Windows Media Player playback; in Windows Control Panel set the default sound
playback to the DAC2X USB Audio device (XMOS XS1-L1 Audio).
*Not using proper cables will cause audio issues between digital source and DAC.
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

017
Operation DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Basic Operations and Input Connections
7. In general for most audio applications you will be able to select the DAC2X USB
Audio device (XMOS XS1-L1 Audio) from within the application and choose the
appropriate driver Kernel, ASIO or WASAPI.
DSD Audio
1. e DAC2X currently supports DSD audio streaming and conversion over USB using
DoP 1.0 specication.
2. Please make sure that your DAC2X has the latest installed soware and drivers. If
unsure please email [e-mail] with your DAC2X serial number and our
engineers will be able to tell you if you need to update your unit.
3. Currently there are many dierent media players that support DSD audio le
(extension DFF and DST les) playback. Some of them that have been fully tested
in-house eg. JRiver for Windows, and Audivarna and Pure Music for OSX.
4. Every media player will have specic soware installation instructions and setup
procedures for enabling DSD streaming. Please consult the specic soware manual.
5. Some soware manufacturers have also provided quickstart and soware setup
guides for download and online. If available EMM Labs will post links to this in
the support section of the DAC2X website.
6. When setup correctly DSD data detected by the DAC2X will cause both the 44.1 and
48kHz LEDs to light up.
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

018
Infrared Remote Control
is function toggles the front panel LEDs ON or OFF on the
DAC2X When in OFF mode only the LOCK LED would be lit.
ese buttons are used to select the digital source input:
• EMM : Selects the EMM Optilink input.
• AES : Selects AES/EBU format PCM digital audio via XLR
• COAX : Selects SPDIF format PCM digital audio via coax/RCA
connector
• TOS : Toggles between TOSLINK SPDIF format PCM audio
from either TOS1 or TOS2 connectors.
• USB : Selects USB PCM audio via USB interface.
• PDAI : Select PDAI SPDIF format PCM digital audio via
coax/RCA connector
Toggles the analog output polarity. Polarity inversion is performed
in the digital domain.
Mutes the outputs.
DAC:
INPUT:
POLARITY:
MUTE:
Infrared Remote Control
e remote control provides combined functions for both the DAC2X
and EMM Labs transport. e functions that are relevant to the DAC2X:
DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

019
Appendix A - Serial Remote Control (RS232) DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Serial Remote Control (RS232)
e DAC2X is equipped with a 9-pin RS232 port for system remote control via a serial cable
(not provided by EMM Labs). Please use a standard RS232 cable. Do not use a null modem
cable, as this will not work. RS232 communication port settings:
• 19,200 baud
• 8 bits
• 1 stop bit
• no ow control
• no parity bit
Commands to the DAC2X
All commands sent to the DAC2X consist of 3 ASCII characters (all lowercase) followed by a
carriage return or <CR>. Repeating a <CR> will repeat the last command sent. Received
commands are not stored in a stack. ey need to be sent in intervals of at least 50ms to
allow enough time for the DAC2X to execute a command before receiving the next one.
Command Function
pha Toggles the analog output polarity
mut Mutes the outputs
emm Selects the EMM Optilink input
aes Selects AES/EBU format PCM digital audio via XLR
coa Selects SPDIF format PCM digital audio via coax/RCA connector
to1 Selects TOSLINK format PCM digital audio via TOS1 connector
to2 Selects TOSLINK format PCM digital audio via TOS2 connector
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.

020
Appendix A - Serial Remote Control (RS232) DAC2X AUDIO CONVERTER OWNER’S MANUAL
Commands to the DAC2X (cont`d)
Status bytes sent from DAC2X
e DAC2X sends back 4 Bytes terminated with a <CR> whenever any status changes.
<Byte 0><Byte 1><Byte 2><Byte 3><CR>
Byte 0 ASCII ' 0 ' - Not Used
Byte 1 ASCII ' 0 ' - Not Used
Byte 2
bit 0 Not Used
bit 1 Not Used
bit 2 Status of EMM Link input (0 when selected)
bit 3 Status of USB input (0 when selected)
bit 4 Status of AES input (0 when selected)
bit 5 Status of COAX input (0 when selected)
bit 6 Status of TOS1 input (0 when selected)
bit 7 Status of TOS2 input (0 when selected)
bit 8 Status of PDAI input (0 when selected)
Byte 3
bit 0 Lock Status, 1 when locked
bit 1 Not Used
Command Function
usb Selects USB PCM audio via USB interface
pda Selects SPDIF format PCM digital audio via PDAI/RCA connector
© 2012-2014 EMM Labs Inc., All Rights Reserved. EMM Labs reserves the right to amend specifications & design without notice.